08-19-03
/-~) MINUTES
SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 19,2003
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 19,2003 at
7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz,
Texas. Those present were Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers Carl
Douglas, Steve Simonson, Reginna Agee, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Also
present were City Manager Mark Marquez and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
Mayor Baldwin asked everyone to rise and join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag.
#1 INTRODUCTION of new employee in Facilities Maintenance Department.
Mike DeLeon, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, introduced Dean lzuno and said he is
the new custodian. He moved to this area in April from Hawaii. Council welcomed Mr.
Izuno aboard.
#2 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Quite a few people had signed up to speak on Item #8 - a public hearing on rezoning
( \ 5.448 acres from Office and Professional to Neighborhood Services The property is
j
located at the northeast corner of FM 3009 and Green Valley Road. Mayor Baldwin
asked if any of them wanted to speak now or wait until Item #8 comes up on the agenda.
One gentleman, Ed Valickus of 8928 Arroyo Dorado, opted to speak at this time rather
than wait for the public hearing. Mr. Valickus said he is requesting the zoning change be
denied. The three main reasons are traffic, aesthetics and potential land devaluation.
Speaking of the traffic, Mr. Valickus commented Pat Booker Road is one of the ugliest
roads in the area and they are spending millions of dollars to make it more attractive. Do
we want FM 3009 to look like Pat Booker? Mayor Baldwin advised Mr. Valickus they
would address his comments about requesting denial of the zoning change later on during
the public hearing. As far as Pat Booker Road, it was the impetus for the zoning along .
FM 3009.
Elmer Singleton of 1616 Yucca Park spoke regarding a violation to the noise ordinance.
His neighbor has a dog that won't stop barking. He is asking City Council to look into
this situation. Someone from Animal Control came out and made recommendations to
the neighbor. He also spoke with her and she said the dog belongs to her daughter and
she has no control over it. Mr. Singleton went on to say that when the dog starts barking,
the dog down the road also barks. Since school started, they have put the dog out early
and it stays out. He feels he has a valid complaint and wants something done about it.
Mayor Baldwin asked Mr. Singleton if he had talked with the Police Chief and he replied
he had not. Since Chief Cantrell was at the meeting, the Mayor suggested Mr. Singleton
speak with him tonight.
353
/----- )
Gary Howell of 1612 Yucca Park reiterated Mr. Singleton's concerns. He mentioned he
had to go over at 3 :00 a.m. and asked them to get control of the dog.
Michael and Judy Becker of 2924 White Pine Drive were also present to speak about this
dog problem. They and Mr. Howell and Mr. Singleton all agreed to speak with the Police
Chief to try and resolve the situation.
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forrest had the following comments:
Noted about a year ago, the swale between ADR and Keebler was trimmed, but it hasn't
been trimmed since. Mr. Marquez promised to check on the property and see whether or
not it's private.
Inquired how long it would be before the new speed limit signs are installed onFM 78.
Mr. Marquez commented he had attended a TXDoT hearing and they should be up before
long.
Stated he liked the sidewalks along Schertz Parkway.
Commented Public Works did a good job on the lines on the streets.
Mentioned if Elbel Road is closing on August 25th, there should be advance notice to the
) citizens. Mr. Marquez advised him that the school district had been notified and the City
. would be putting signs out for the public.
Remarked the footbridge over the Cibolo Creek hasn't been repaired yet. Sam
Willoughby, Public Works Director, said they are waiting on material for the repair.
Asked how they're coming on the Fire Safety House. Fire Chief Friesenhahn replied the
trailer is in the fIre station now. They need to do some work on the inside. They have
about 50% of their donations. They need a total of $7500 plus. Mr. Marquez observed
the Fire Safety House is a great addition to the community.
Said he feels City Hall should be looked at for ADA compliance. Mr. Marquez related
that City Hall had been certified.
Suggested he would like to see the City get a new Municipal Complex.
Indicated Schertz is a good place to live and the City should keep up the good work.
Mr. Marquez thanked Mr. Brockman for his help on Schertz Parkway and Savannah
Drive.
)
354
....---."'"
. , #3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Session 7-15-03
J
Mr. Simonson moved to approve the minutes, as written, for the Regular Session of
7-15-03. Mr. Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#4 PUBLIC HEARING; To receive citizen comments on a request from Eber Busch,
Katrina K. Middleton and Armando P. Martinez for a Specific Use Permit allowing a
manufactured home to be situated on a tract of land at 309 Maske Road.
Mayor Baldwin explained the procedures to be followed for the public hearing.
. Mr. Marquez informed Council that 8 letters has been sent out to property owners within
the required distance. One was returned in favor and one was returned as undeliverable.
Staff recommends approval of this request.
Eber Busch was present and told Council he would appreciate their favorable
consideration of this request. Amy Madison, Community Development Director, had a
drawing of the area so everyone could see exactly where the manufactured home would
) be located.
There being no further comments, Mayor Baldwin closed the public hearing at this time.
#5 Consider and take action on the above request for a Specific Use Permit.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the request from Eber Busch, Katrina K. Middleton
and Armando P. Martinez for a Specific Use Permit allowing a manufactured home to be
situated on a tract of land at 309 Maske Road. Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#6 PUBLIC HEARING: To receive citizen comments on a request from Don
McCrary & Associates to rezone 14.57 acres out of Guadalupe County from Garden
Home/Single Residential District Zero Lot Line (R-5) to Single Family Residential
District (R-6).
Mayor Baldwin explained the procedures would be the same as for the previous public
hearing.
355
~/l; Mr. Marquez advised that 12 letters had been sent out to property owners within the
required distance and one letter was returned in favor.
Larry Aiken, developer for the project, mentioned that the reason for the zoning change
request is that the original zoning was for a garden home type lot and this project requires
more of a mid-zoning type lot. The homes will look like plantation homes.
Mr. Marquez asked how many lots there are and Mr. Aiken replied there are 53. Most of
them are 135' deep, some are up to 200' deep. Mr. Aiken went on to say there is a
landscape easement along Live Oak Road and a landscaped elaborate entryway. The
neighbors seem to be okay with the proposed project.
Charles Evers of 1043 Live Oak Road expressed some concern about the fact. the plan
does not align with surrounding property. There is only one ingress/egress and that
causes some safety concern. Mr. Aiken explained that the ingress/egress would be
widened to 72' to satisfy the width for emergency vehicles. Mr. Evers replied that no
matter, it is still only one way in and out.
Mr. Aiken commented that long-term planning has a road coming down to the left for a
stub-out. There is also that possibility from the Henry Gutierrez property. He spent a lot
of money on a Traffic Impact Analysis for Green Valley Road for 275 plus lots and the
traffic impact was minimal. The Traffic Impact Analysis is on file with the City.
) Mr. Evers pointed out that as lots develop, traffic will increase and one-way traffic could
interfere with emergency vehicles. It would be better if access roads were already in
place.
Mayor Baldwin related that the current zoning would allow more houses. Mr. Aiken is
cutting back on the number of homes he's going to build. Mr. Aiken remarked the land
was originally platted for 74 lots.
Maggie Pena of 1037 Live Oak Road also expressed concern about the traffic and said
she has been waiting 25 years for Henry Gutierrez to open up the back of his property.
Mayor Baldwin thought the property isn't really big enough for two entrances. Mr.
Marquez mentioned he lives in a subdivision with 153 homes and only one
ingress/egress.
There being no further comments, Mayor Baldwin closed the public hearing at this time.
#7 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on first reading of Ordinance rezoning
14.57 acres from R-5 to R-6.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
356
/-"""
\
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY. OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS AMENDING
THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC), ORDINANCE NO. 96-S-28, BY
REZONING 14.57 ACRES OUT OF GUADALUPE CPUNTY FROM GARDEN
HOME/SINGLE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT ZERO LOT LINE (R-5) TO SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R-6).
Mr. Simonson moved to approve the first reading of an Ordinance rezoning 14.57 acres
from R-5 to R-6. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion.
Before the vote was taken, several comments were made. Mr. Simonson said he
understands the concerns. This does, however, conform to the desires of a Master Road
Plan. Woodland Oaks and Savannah Drive took almost eight years to get more
ingress/egress. The light being installed at Live Oak Road and FM 3009 will help the
situation.
Mr. Marquez mentioned that the Staff looked at it very carefully to make sure emergency
vehicles could get to the last house in the subdivision.
Mr. Greenwald commented the Village Subdivision has lived with only one means of
ingress/egress for 35 years.
Mayor Baldwin pointed out Mr. Aik~n has provided stub-outs, acting in good faith.
Several subdivisions in the City have only one way in- and out. Mr. Aiken stressed he
tries to think globally and work with the Staff.
At this time the vote was taken and the motion carried as follows:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#8 PUBLIC HEARING: To receive citizen comments on a request from U.P.B.
Management Co., Inc. to rezone 5.448 acres from Office and Professional (OP) to
Neighborhood Services (NS).
Mayor Baldwin once again mentioned that the same procedures would be followed for
the public hearing.
357
-- ------.
( ) Mr. Marquez advised that 10 letters were sent to property owners within the required
distance and one was returned in opposition. Mayor Baldwin added they are required to
send letters to property owners within 200' of the proposed zoning change.
Steve Perenchio of 8840 ArrOYO Seco thanked Council for the opportunity to speak. He
then went on to say the only entrance to Arroyo Verde Subdivision is along FM 3009.
He is concerned how development at the northeast corner of Green Valley Road and FM
3009 will affect safety, qualitY of life and home values in Arroyo Verde. He asked that
the goals of the Comprehensive Land Plan remain in the forefront of proposed rezoning.
As far as safety, the City needs to take into consideration what happens to the floodplain
when development occurs. Also, the traffic on Green Valley Road has increased due to
the number of new homes and the new school There is no traffic light on Green Valley
road, which presents a potentially dangerous situation. I
Regarding quality of life and home values, he applauds the efforts on the part of the City
to solicit new business. However, customers of new businesses on the corner of Green
Valley-Road and FM 3009 will find a way to enter the Arroyo Verde Subdivision.
At this time, Brian Sherman (address not given) indicated he would like to hear from the
developer first. The developer, Steve Braha, explained the land is under contract for a
neighborhood services retail center with professional tenants.. It will be attractive from
l ) the street and will have a single pylon on FM 3009. The pylon will not exceed 18'7" and
~i
, will be at the entrance on FM 3009. The back of the property will be built up. As far as
the concern about the floodplain, Mr. Braha said they have to pass City and FEMA
criteria. Also, the City Code requires them to maintain 28% of the trees. They are trying
to preserve as many as possible. Currently it looks like they will save about 42%. The
Planning and Zoning Commission have seen 15 to 20 site plans.
When asked about a list of tenants, Mr. Braha answered all marketing is on hold. A lady
in the audience (name and address unknown) asked when the project was started and Mr.
Braha answered last December. He went on to say he has developed in Lincoln Heights
and at the HEB Center on Boerne Stage Road. Each of those has approximately 12 to 18
businesses.
A gentleman in the audience (name and address not given) wondered if they are looking
at power lines and towers to see if anything has to be relocated. The lady (mentioned
above) wondered if it would stay a natural area and if someone else puts buildings in the
area, would it hide the strip. She pointed out that other areas where he had built were not
close to residential areas. The gentleman then asked what the justification is for a zoning
change. Mr. Braha replied the current Office and Professional zoning would generate
five times the traffic as the proposed Neighborhood Services Zoning. He went on to say
if he can't get the requested change in zoning, it would be too risky for him to take on
The gentleman asked if he had any certain type of business in mind and Mr. Braha
( answered he is unsure at this time. The lady asked if he would build up to the tree line
I
'2!:;O
"-~ ,
and Mr. Braha replied they would build a wall to hide the air conditioning units. The
one-story building might be visible.
Mayor Baldwin then asked Mr. Braha if he could answer the floodplain requirements.
Mr. Braha replied he is not prepared to do that this evening, but he understands they are
not affecting the floodplain. Dr. Kermit Harborth, owner of the property, said everything
is above the floodplain. Mr. Braha went on to say the area is a little over five acres and
there would be about three acres of greenbelt. Mr. Marquez pointed out the development
would be approximately 145' from the first house lot.
As far as traffic, Mr. Braha stated the majority of the traffic would enter from FM 3009.
The gentleman (mentioned above) asked if the road has been stressed for heavier traffic.
Mr. Braha replied that is beyond his scope. Mr. Marquez noted there are weight limits oil
all roads. The gentleman asked if this road meets that criteria and was told it does. Mr.
Braha then pointed out this is for local people. They won't travel through the
neighborhood.
Jim Dickson (address not given) commented he thinks Mr. Braha is a credible builder.
They're not pleased with the depth of the development and are asking for reconsideration
of the depth. How close is it to Arroyo Verde? Mr. Braha replied none of the houses are
within 200' of the proposed development. Mayor Baldwin reminded those in the
audience if they didn't get a letter, they are further than 200'. Mrs. Madison, Community
, Development Director said she would pass around a site map of the proposed
development in relation to the first house.
David Jones (address not given) mentioned he grew up in Houston and he remembers
when a developer built close to residential lots. The development was never always filled
and went from one owner to another. Traffic continued to increase and property values
dropped. He is concerned about the stressing of the road and the location of the access
road in relationship to the bridge. The developer is not prepared and is asking Council to
make a decision. Mr. Greenwald pointed out Houston does not have a Zoning Ordinance.
Mayor Baldwin stressed the drainage issue was resolved some years ago by Planning and
Zoning. He can't understand why some of these people who are speaking tonight were
not at the Planning and Zoning public hearing.
Mr. Wilenchik noted the land has been zoned Office and Professional for approximately
six years. The building could be the same as for Neighborhood Services, but the
businesses would be different.
David Richmond, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman agreed these people
should have been at the Planning and Zoning public hearing. Zoning along FM 3009 and
Schertz Parkway has been worked on rigoro~ly. Schertz Parkway was originally zoned
for industrial, but when it was rezoned, it was made Neighborhood Services. FM 3009
was originally zoned Residential with corners of neighborhood Services. Sometimes the
359
~~
, i best laid plans can go awry. Dr. Harborth said he has been before Planning and Zoning a
,
\ j
number of times over the years trying to encourage development on this tract of land.
Mr. Richmond went on to say that from a Planning and Zoning standpoint, this is the best
presentation of development of that corner they have seen without impact on residential.
Keep in mind that some of the extra traffic is there because of the houses in Cibolo.
Brian Sherman spoke again saying he is in favor of the Neighborhood Services zoning.
However, in the Comprehensive Land Plan, Green Valley Road is not a second arterial or
collector street. Mr. Greenwald mentioned one of the problems with Green Valley Road
is that part of the property is owned by the County. The firm that did the Comprehensive
Land Plan missed that detail.
Mr. Marquez commented there are future plans to make Green Valley Road either four or
five lanes. They want to see something nice on that corner. It is not advertised as
commercial. Mr. Braha added they are not building in the greenbelt. Mayor Baldwin
emphasized. the Comprehensive Land Plan is just a plan.
Ron Story (address not given) asked if a gas station would be part of the development.
Mr. Braha stressed they don't want that kind of development.
Deidre Poole of 3844 Arroyo Seco asked if they intend to sell space or le~e space. Mr.
) Brahaanswered they only plan to lease. Ms. Poole then asked if the rumor about a big
, )
restaurant coming is true and Mr. Braha replied they have no commitment at this time.
Sue Britton (address not given) inquired if there's a proposal for a traffic light at the
corner ofFM 3009 and Green Valley Road and was told probably not.
Another lady (name and address not given) questioned the number of parking spaces and
Mr. Braha answered the current plans are for 144 parking spaces. The development will
have the appropriate lighting and be aesthetically correct.
Marty Gerhart (address not given) asked if there had been any discussion about gating the
subdivision. Mr. Greenwald told him if they do, the residents of the subdivision pay for
the lights and the streets.
Patrick Kelley (address not given) said he appreciates all the accolades Mr. Braha has
gotten, but he doesn't want the entrance there. His biggest concern in safety. The left
turn is only a convenience for the developer. People will turn there to avoid other roads.
Mr. Braha, saying he can't speak from the safety aspect, indicated he personally sees a
need for ingress/egress.
A lady (name and address not given) mentioned that every time she travels FM 3009, she
feels like she's taking her life in her hands. If there's no light into the new development,
( _ how are they going to get people lined up to turn? Mayor Baldwin answered that no one
would come into the subdivision unless they miss the turn.
360
,-~
'.
Mayor Baldwin then mentioned a Public Improvement District (Pill) for the IH-35/FM
3009 intersection has been formed to try and eliminate the dangerous situation up there.
Forest Ridge will be blocked so you can't cross over and there will be additional traffic
lights. There will be additional roads to tie into the businesses. They plan to eliminate
coming across FM 3009 into places like HEB. Mr. Marquez added there would be an
interchange between McDonald's and Diamond Shamrock so you won't have to go back
out to FM 3009.
Mayor Baldwin continued on, saying FM 3009 is one of the most thought out places in
Schertz. It has very restrictive zoning. They have tried to avoid pitfalls and are
correcting the IH-35/FM 3009 intersection. He then pointed out Larry Aiken built the
improvements you now have on Green Valley Road. Mr. Braha is a great developer and
the citizens are not going to get wool pulled over their eyes. Most of that type of
development is occupied and there will be a nice greenbelt between the Arroyo Verde
homes and the businesses.
Don Iverson (address not given) said this is an introduction to City Government for him.
If he doesn't live within 200' of a proposed development, how does he find about it? Mr.
Marquez told him to check our notices in the Seguin Gazette-Enterprise and to look at the.
website.
"- Jeanie Claus. representing a realty company, asked about the differences between Office
Professional and Neighborhood Services zoning. Do they have to close at a different
time? Mr. Braha answered the main difference is the types of businesses that can build in
an area zoned Neighborhood Services.
Arthur Andrelis (address not given) said he had asked about this area five months. ago
and was told nothing was going in there. He would appreciate a little bit of honesty.
At this point, Mr. Braha asked Mayor Baldwin what the next step is and the Mayor
replied the first reading of the Ordinance to change the zoning. There will be a Council
workshop on August 27th and a regular Council meeting on September 2nd. Both of
these have an item called Hearing of Residents, during which residents can speak. On
September 2nd, they will have the fmal reading of the Ordinance to rezone. After the
final reading is approved, it is done.
There being no further comments, Mayor Baldwin closed the public hearing.
#9 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on first reading of Ordinance rezoning
5.448 acres from OP to NS.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
361
,/.----.,
{ )
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS AMENDING
THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC), ORDINANCE NO. 96-S,.28, BY
REZONING 5.448 ACRES OUT OF GUADALUPE COUNTY FROM OFFICE
AND PROFESSIONAL (OP) TO NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES (NS).
. Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the first reading of an Ordinance to rezone 5.448 acres
from Office and Professional (OP) to Neighborhood Services (NS). Mrs. Agee seconded
the motion. Before the vote was taken, several Councilmembers had comments.
Mrs. Agee thought Mr. Braha brought forth a good plan - the best we've seen. If Council
doesn't agree, Mr. Harborth has the right to sell the land in bit parcels and that would
involve multiple cut-ins.
Mr. Wilenchik, mentioning the change from Office and Professional to Neighborhood
. Services, said the driveway has nothing to do with rezoning. He's considering whether a
change of zoning is good for the community.
.' ,
\ Mr. Greenwald stated the situation with the traffic on FM 3009 was brought on by
)
. TXDoT allowing almost every business to have a curb cut. Now all of a sudden the City
is pretty smart. Mayor Baldwin emphasized it's an expensive lesson.
Mr. Simonson mentioned that the first six lots of a subdivision in the City were not
allowed to be built because they Were waiting on a map revision from FEMA. This
development will have to meet all the requirements of the floodplain rules. If anyone has
questions, they should contact Mr. Marquez or the City's floodplain manager.
At this time the vote was taken and the motion to approve the rezoning carried as follows:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald
NAYS: None.
#10 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of Ordinance regarding
agreement with Bexar Waste, Inc.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
(
.,
362
/~
)
ORDINANCE NO., 03-F -22
GRANTING CmOLO WASTE INCORPORATED, DBA BEXAR WASTE INC., A
FRANCmSE FOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISOSAL,
A RECYCLING AND A HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM;
IMPOSING PROVISIONS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE EXERCISE
OF SAME; AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES NOT TO EXCEED $200.00
FOR VIOLAITON THEREOF; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCS OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH TmS ORDINANCE.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the final reading of an Ordinance regarding an
agreement with Bexar Waste, Inc. Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which carried with
the following votes:
,
A YES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None. .
#11 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of Ordinance regarding
) request from Hubertus Company to voluntarily annex 1.345 acres of land out of Comal
. /
County.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 03-A-23
PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE BOUNDARY LINES OF THE
CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS BY VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF 1.345
ACRES OF LAND LOCATED IN COMAL COUNTY OWNED BY HUBERTUS
INVESTMENT COMPANY.
Mrs. Agee moved to approve the voluntary annexation of 1.345 acres of land located in
Comal County owned by Hubertus Investment Company. Mr: Wilenchik seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#12 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on first reading of Ordinance regarding
placement of traffic lights.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an Ordinance and read the caption as follows:
363
()
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS PROVIDING
THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS BE
AMENDED BY REVISING SECTION 18-58, TRAFFIC LIGHT LOCATIONS;
AND PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE.
Mrs. Agee moved to approve the first reading of an Ordinance regarding placement of
traffic lights. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#13 Consider and take action on a proposal to increase total tax revenues from
properties on the tax roll.
Mr. Marquez explained this item and the next item on the agenda are related. The tax
" ) rate is .3825 - the same as last year. This is a proposal to increase total tax revenues (not
\.
the tax rate) from properties on the tax roll. This document needs to be published.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the proposal to increase total tax revenues from
properties on the tax roll. Mr. Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#14 Discuss and set Public Hearing dates for the budget and the tax rate.
Mr. Marquez reminded Council they have a Tentative Budget Schedule in their packets.
The public hearing on the tax rate is scheduled for September 2, 2003. The public
hearing on the budget is scheduled for September 16,2993. Council will vote on both the
tax rate and the budget at the September 16th meeting.
Mrs. Agee moved to hold the public hearing for the tax rate on September 2, 2003 and
the public hearing for the budget on September 16, 2004. Mr. Douglas seconded the
motion. Which carried with the following votes:
(
364
')
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#15 Items by City Manager
General Announcements
Mr. Marquez had nothing to report.
#16 Items by City Council
General Announcement.
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison - EDC
Mr. Douglas had nothing to report.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison - BVY A
) Mr. Simonson had nothing to report.
Coucnilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison - Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison - Schertz Library Board
Mrs. Agee had nothing to report.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison - SchertZ Humane Society
Liaison - HOA Coalition
Mr. Wilenchik had nothing to report.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio - P&Z Commission
Ex-officio - S/SLGC
Announced the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation meeting will be held this
week on Thursday, September 21,2003- in the Schertz Police Department training room.
It starts at 130 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to attend.
365
-~,
\. ) # 17 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
Mentioned he had attended the Pill meeting, which was held in the Conference Room
here at City Hall. It was very cordial and things are coming along. The PID Board is
awaiting plans from the Engineer.
Asked how they're going to handle the Executive Session. Are they going to do it first or
the Budget Workshop? The consensus of Council was to do the Budget Workshop first.
At this time Council took a short break before moving to the Conference Room for the
Budget Workshop.
#20 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Mayor Baldwin reminded Council they had covered the budget up through the lrispection
Department. They still have the Police Department, EMS, the Fire Department and
Public Works to review. The Mayor then asked Mr. Marquez if he had anything new.
Mr. Marquez replied they are adding two new members to the Police Department and six
to the Fire Department.
Mr. Marquez then replied there has been some internal discussion about the. Schertz
} Business Association and the possible merger of it and some faction of the City. If they
-- ' proceed with plans, there will be questions about funding. Mayor Baldwin inquired if the
Schertz Business Association knows about it. Mr. Marquez replied they had talked with
someone about it.
Mr. Simonson commented the budget is fine as is. In looking through it, he feels it is a
real clean budget. Mr. Marquez noted it is the normal operating budget. There are no
contingencies. If there's a need to come back, he's not afraid to do it.
Mayor Baldwin asked if this year's budget has money in it for the new fire station and
was told it does not.
Mr. Marquez then mentioned there had been some discussion last week about the fund
balance of $60,000. They only funded for four people in Animal Control. It will take
$25,000 in personnel costs to reinstate a person in Animal Control. Mr. Greenwald
commented if taxes go up and we cut Animal Control personnel, we would be chastised.
Mr. Simonson agreed, saying he hates to see us go backwards.
Mr. Marquez then mentioned that the backbone of the computer system allows
connectivity throughout and will cost approximately $25,000. The other $10,000 would
be used to refurbish the old fire truck.
Mrs. Agee asked if up to $60,000 we're good and Mr. Marquez replied yes. Council
gave their consensus for the use of the $60,000 fund balance.
366
'-') Mr. Mf~ez then stated EMS is improving, they will have a fund balance next year.
Council didn't look at a rate increase. If a problem arises, they can discuss it.
Mr. Wilenchik said he saw 'a big drop in overtime fotEMS. Mr. Marquez added there
have been some changes and some of those have to do with holiday pay.
Mr. Wilenchik then asked if there were any cuts in services and Mr. Marquez replied no.
Some of the captains were made exempt.
Mayor Baldwin asked if another meeting is scheduled for the budget. Mr. Marquez
advised him there is a workshop next week. Mr. Marquez then remarked they wouldn't
have to do the approval of the budget as an emergency reading of the Ordinance. Mrs.
Agee commented if you could do it as an emergency, why waste time.
Mr. Marquez explained that the Parks and Pools budgets are together.
Mr. Douglas asked if they are going to discuss Council compensation. If so, do they need
.to talk about it before the May election. Mr. Marquez commented the decision by
Council on that issue should be well in advance of an election. They can suggest it at
mid-year Mr. Wilenchik remarked it has been brought up and hasn't had a lot of
--- support, He thinks a Charter Review is the best way to handle a possible increase in
. ) Council compensation.
Mr. Simonson also thought it best to have a Charter Review Committee look at it, even if
it's only a small increase.
Mr. Simonson then thanked Staff and Mr. Marquez for putting together a real. clean
budget. Everyone agreed. Mayor Baldwin said this is his 26th City budget and he feels
comfortable with it.
Mr. Marquez mentioned he wants to make sure the new members are satisfied with it.
He's trying to avoid a lot of changes at mid-year. Mayor Baldwin asked that a Budget
Workshop be scheduled for the next workshop and if they need to cancel it they can.
#18 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code, Sub-Section:
551.072 - Deliberation regarding real property.
'\,
An executive Session was held from 10:01 p.m. until 10:14 p.m.
#19 Action, if any, on above Executive Session.
No action was required.
t
#21 ADJOURNMENT
367
[This page intentionally left blank.]
i
~
., There being no further discussion, Mayor Baldwin a . ed the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
ATTEST:
~~tb~
City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
I
,
i
i
368